Biologics in Competition: Comparing Anti-Inflammatory (ACS) and Regenerative (PRP) Approaches for Intra-Articular Treatment of Canine Traumatic Arthritis
Keywords:
Platelet-Rich Plasma; Autologous Conditioned Serum; Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist; Growth Factors; Traumatic Arthritis; Regenerative Medicine.Abstract
Background: Traumatic arthritis in the dog results in osteoarthritis. Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) have promise but have not been directly compared in terms of pro-regenerative vs anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Objectives: To compare intra-articular PRP and ACS in a canine model of traumatic arthritis based on clinical, biochemical, and radiographic outcomes.
Methods: 15 dogs (5/group) were surgically induced to have arthritis of the left stifle by crushing the CCL. Groups were injected 48h after with one intra-articular dose of autologous PRP, ACS or saline (control). The baseline and day 2 evaluations included lameness, swelling, range of motion, synovial fluid analysis and radiography, as well as at weeks 1–3.
Results: Both treatments were significantly better than the control treatment (p<0.05). PRP enhanced the joint flexion angle and synovial fluid viscosity at week 3 (p<0.01 vs. ACS/control). ACS was more effective in reducing synovial WBC count (p<0.01 vs. PRP/control) and resolving edema/redness earlier. ACS lowered inflammatory markers more; PRP normalized glucose and protein levels.
Conclusion: Both PRP and ACS work but in different ways: PRP stimulates functional and structural repair via growth factors; ACS blocks acute inflammation (IL-1Ra) rapidly. Treatment should be based on clinical presentation: use PRP for regeneration and ACS for severely inflamed joints. This aids in individualized treatment strategies in veterinary regenerative medicine.